Top 6 Possible Candidates For IRON MAN 3's Supporting Villain

With all signs pointing to Mandarin as the armored avenger's new foe, and sources indicating another villain in the mix, I give my list of the likely suspects it could be...

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By Duskbyday - 4/17/2012

From the casting of Sir Ben Kingsley, to the recent announcement of the film being co-produced in China, it seems evident that the "racist caricature" of Iron Man lore may be making an appearance after all. Speculation has already arisen on how Marvel will adapt The Mandarin onto the big screen, but thanks to Hollywood Reporter we know there will be another villain in the film. Despite the likely chance that Iron Man's nemesis will appear in the sequel, we still have no clue on who the other villain set to appear is. So without further ado, here are my top 6 personal choices on who this second mysterious villain could be:

No. 6: Fin Fang Foom

Out of everyone on the list, Fin Fang Foom is probably the hardest to adapt on the big screen. Most people know Foom as a dragon with purple pants, yet he is integral to the Iron Man Mythos. His race were responsible for the Ten Power Rings, and he himself was Mandarin's greatest ally (only to betray him later on for his own ambitions). A similar image by the same artist (who was the films' conceptual designer) popped as an easter egg in the first of the trilogy already. Perhaps this easter egg is a hint of what's to come, or concept art for the future. Using Foom has its benefits since he could be another way for Marvel to expand the cosmic side of the cinematic universe that has been seen in Thor and the upcoming Avengers. With the possibilities of CGI, and comic history with the Mandarin, Foom could be a fantastic adversary to the third installment of the franchise. However there are doubts in his appearance...his name for example. I sincerely doubt audiences would fear a monster with such a ridiculous name. There is also the notion that Shane wants "real world villains", and if he gets his way the alien dragon's chances will get a lot slimmer.

No. 5: Spymaster

Infamous for being a catalyst to the Armour wars, Spymaster is definitely a prime candidate. Instead of relying on hi tech weapons or suits, he is a master at hand-to-hand combat and has a few gadgets to get the job done. He is a master thief, a saboteur, an industrial spy and a world-class assassin. Spymaster may be a "real world" villain that Iron Man could face. There have been multiple characters that have assumed the identity, but Nathan Lemon seems the most obvious choice. The reason I say this is because of multiple story lines are used with him being hired by Mandarin to assassinate Black Widow or Iron Man. A similar situation could crop up in the next film. Nathan Lemon is definitely the one of the most realistic villains of Iron Man's rogues, and can easily be brought on screen. But the problem is that this villain may be too realistic. Sure he can have a cool costume, but when potential candidates have much more interesting powers he isn't all that impressive. It's also hard to see how he can be involved in an Extremis-inspired story line, since Spymaster isn't really interested about nano-bombs or terrorist endeavors. His skills set and abilities are more than enough for a #5 spot.

No. 4: Ezekiel Stane

With the final showdowns in both Iron Man 1 and 2 being between two or more men in armor, it seems unlikely we'll get a large majority of Tony Stark's rogues gallery. Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo and man more will not likely be used for a simple reason: we've seen it before. Audiences want to see something new, and Obadiah's son can provide that. This guy is essentially a younger, stronger, crueler Tony Stark. He is often described as "the future", and his quest for vengeance and superiority over Iron Man will set a great relationship. Their similarities as characters, along with the history of Ezekiel's father provide a great dynamic and rounding conclusion to the Ten Ring Arc in the films by having them pitted against one another. Ezekiel, while he does wear a suit, provides a refreshing enemy for the films not only through his characterization, but his "bio-upgrades" too. Recent comics have made the son of Stane more and more into a an organic analogue to the Iron Man suit.Since the extremis story line is the main source of inspiration for the new film, his powers may originate from the virus instead Not only that but Ezekiel has also had a strong alliance with The Mandarin. Nevertheless, Ezekiel would be another suited villain, and his appearance would leave audiences wondering why Obadiah's son was never mentioned in the previous films. If it weren't for these concerns, I'm sure Ezekiel could have been higher on the list.

No. 3: Madame Masque

I've heard many comic book fans call Madame Masque and her relationship with Tony Stark the equivalent of Catwoman and Batman. Whitney Frost is the recurring love interest for Iron Man, and has a long history with him. Member of the Maggia, a plane accident scarred her face forcing her to hide under the golden mask she has worn ever since. She has deep feelings for the armored avenger who saw past her scarred face, but comes to conflict with him and her criminal career. Her father in the comics is Count Nefaraia and her allegiances with Maggia, yet Marvel may adapt this with Mandarin and the Ten Rings Organisation instead, like how she became Stane's daughter in the recent series.She possesses no superpowers but has a vast assortment of hi-tech weaponry, and is a strategic genius in battle. She is also skilled in hand-to-hand combat and firearms. Her criminal and terrorist activities make her the prime "real villain" Shane Black wants, but has an interesting and complex relationship with the protagonist that makes her a sympathetic and tragic character who's dynamic with Iron Man would add to their conflict. Her role as a Femme Fatale would serve interesting as a love triangle in the movie, since Tony and Pepper are a couple now and her involvement could cause some changes. Its these qualities of her character that just make her higher than Ezekiel and Spymaster. The only problem with her is explaining a golden mask of all things, and perhaps there being too many Femme Fatales in one film if Maria Hill or Black Widow join the growing cast.

No. 2: Mallen

Mallen is the central antagonist to the Extremis story line: the pivotal reason why he makes the no. 1 spot! But even with the notion that he was a major character in the story tat Iron Man 3 will be based on, there are multiple reasons for his position. Mallen, like the Ghost, is a man bent on vengeance after the FBI kill his parents, which causes him to take the Virus. The Extremis story line focused heavily on the technological future, which makes Mallen a prefect foil for Stark. But that's not all, his motives and connection to the Extremis make him suitable as secondary villain to Manderin. His abilities are also impressive for the cinema, as his super strength, electricity attacks, and various other powers mean he would be a sight to see for the film. A human that can stand his ground against two walking armories would make a fantastic battle. The origin for the villain is also much more convincing than gamma rays or spider bites, so his powers are arguably not as unrealistic as they appear. Mallen however isn't a greatly recognizable villain and never has appeared outside his story (death is a slight handicap). It was a close call but I personally believe the most likely villain for the sequel will be...

No. 1: The Ghost

Personally, The Ghost is my favorite for the sequel. A victim of people like Tony stark, The Ghost is paranoid criminal bent on destroying corporatism in the world. His loathing for everything Iron Man represents makes him a dangerous villain for the next film. He also isn't really wearing armor like War Machine or Iron Monger, but rather a suit with the ability to make him fly, turn invisible and make any object or himself intangible. He is a master hacker, and has a brilliant mind, making him a match for Iron man both physically and mentally. His motivations mirror The Mandarin's goals which make him perfect for a secondary villain. Fight scenes with him would be creative and interesting as his wide variety of powers make him a match for Star and Rhodes. One of the biggest things going for him however is his popularity. I am confident in believing Ghost is one of the most popular villains of Iron Man's rogues (though that isn't that great a feat) and is one of the fan-favourites to appear. We all know how Marvel like to please their fans, and Ghost could be the next way they can do that. I'm not entirely sure how he can fit into the movie like Mallen or Masque, but The Ghost is who I suspect will join the Mandarin.

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-Mallen a Stark employee steals the prototype "extremis" and gives it to himself, the result of a wide arrange of powers. Being alerted Tony confronts him but Mallen defeats Tony easily and escapes, Tony's armor is severely damaged. Tony reunites with an old archaeological friend of his Arnold Brock who is in search of "ten rings" of the Manderin. Already having two of the rings (Stane's and Hammer's rings?), he asks Tony's help because of him being captured by the Ten Rings, his genius, and his father had started research as well of the ten rings. Tony accepts and continues the search for Mallen. Tony finds a temple but the Ten Rings capture Tony's group (consisting of: Arnold Brock, Pepper Potts, and himself). Mallen is revealed to be a Ten Rings member who was to infiltrate and steal "Extremis" for the Ten Rings, they plan to make soliders for the Manderin using "Extrmis". The Ten Rings force Tony to work for them to find the rings for them and mass produce "Extrmis". Tony "agrees" to do this and starts making another suit for himself basing it off of "Extrmis". Tony finds where the remaining 8 rings and a purple gem. Then reveals his new suit and defeats Mallen. While Tony is fighting Mallen, Arnold Brock puts on the ten rings revealing himself to be the true Manderin. Arnold tells Tony he was the one giving Stane and Hammer orders. Originally he wanted Stane to capture Tony to find the rings but the Ten Rings leader double crossed him not believing in the Manderin legend and only wanting Stark to build his missiles. Arnold also reveals that he intended Hammer to wreck Stark financially so that he would be forced to work for Brock Corporations. Arnold also reveals he is working for someone beyond Stark's imagination and no matter what he can't stop him. Arnold and Tony fight. Arnold forces Tony up against the temple and asks: "You can't stop me Tony. Do you really think you are equal to the Manderin's power?" Tony: "Nope, mine's better!" Tony just releasing an arc reactor blast. Arnold realizing Tony is is match, he teleports away using the purple gem. Tony realizes this is just the beginning of something. After credits scene: Manderin bows before Thanos giving him the purple gem.

Remember Tony is going to be put, metaphorically, "back in the cave" with only his brain to come to his aid. Coming full circle to the first movie.

Ghost could be interesting given that he could destroy Tony and Stark industries from within. An anarchist at best. Tony has already faced, and beaten, those with personal grudges against his person. It would be great to see Tony stripped of all that he has.

I just can't see that, given the cosmic headway Marvel have made over the "first wave" of movies, they would waste the opportunity to have The Mandarin. Regardless of throw away quotes people have latched onto by Shane Black I don't think Marvel would have spent so much time teasing the Ten Rings into the equation if there wasn't a plan in place.

I considered that he would be a great foe for all Avengers to take on but it looks as though SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Thanos may take that position. I also think that The Mandarin is almost superior in every way. What better way to finish an Iron Man trilogy than his biggest nemesis? Somebody who is smart and powerful in so many ways. That would take some real brain power to beat. Cosmological powers and weaponry would be a hell of a challenge.

As for a secondary villain...I'd go for Fing Fang Foom. It would be relevant for explaining the story behind the ring's powers. Regardless, the secondary villain will be canon fodder for War Machine to polish off whilst Tony is busy outwitting The Mandarin.

"Casting calls for Persian, East Asian, Middle Eastern" anyone? It's gonna best a hell of a movie regardless of the secondary villain.

@superotherside Thanks and great write up yourself! Like the Arnold Brock reference there :P and personally I agree with you about the whole Ten Rings deal. Most likely it will be some international organisation of benefactors with Mandarin pulling the strings. Oh and I like the end credits cameo you got there, definitely paves way for some big plans in Avengers if it happens.

@CraptainAmerica Thanks, and I definitely agree with Mandarin idea, which is why I am so confident he is the villain that Kingsley is playing. The dilemma about the guy is he is VERY powerful. If each ring has an ability (mind control etc.) then he is really on Loki threat level. I'm sure they'll make it work and it will be fantastic to see Iron Man's archenemy finally on screen.

I wouldn't be surprised if (or I think it would make a lot of sense at least) the Mandarin worked as a behind the scenes villain in Iron Man 3 as a set up to Avengers 2, where he'd summon (a probably unnamed) Fing Fang Foom. I mean a giant interdimensional alien dragon working with a terrorist wielding magical rings? Seems like an Avengers level threat to me.

Well the only people who I think will be off the list for possible Iron Man 3 villains would be Ezekiel Stane (mostly beacause it sounds like a rehash of Iron Man 2), Spymaster (since Ghost is a better candidate anyway), and Mallen (unfortunately, I have not read the Extremis story to get a feel for the character).

For the rest, I think they all should appear along with the Mandarin for Iron Man 3. Now that would be a badass way to end a trilogy.